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Cover Story
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BY ALARICE RAJAGOPAL & PETER BREEN
INSPIRATIONAL EXECUTIVES DRIVING CHANGE IN THEIR ORGANIZATIONS — AND BEYOND
By definition, a “visionary” is someone who “thinks about or plans the future with imagination or wisdom.” Although the executives presented here are chock full of imagination and wisdom, the biggest challenge they often face is getting others to jump on the bandwagon and get behind a new way of thinking, a new technology solution or a revolutionary process change. Whether new to their roles or well entrenched at their organizations, there is one recurring theme in all of their efforts: change. The rate at which technology is transforming the business, digital capabilities are changing how consumers shop, and new and better sources of data are arising, has been staggering recently. Fact of the matter is that anyone can have a vision. But it’s how the following individuals are driving change in their own unique ways that truly makes them Visionaries.
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Julia Anderson Chief Information Officer SMITHFIELD FOODS
21 months with company and in current role
Vision in Action: Anderson has helped align Smithfield’s business and technology investments into a process with governance, communication and change leadership that has “simplified how we make decisions and deliver against program and company goals,” she says. “We have buy-in on our priorities, and when we need to address a new competing program, such as an acquisition or change of partner or service provider, we’re able to quickly assess the impact and make a recommendation … to gain alignment on the best course of action.” On the Horizon: As Smithfield completes its IT transformation to align with key business areas and move all applications to the cloud, the company can now be more agile. With this newfound agility comes better data, insights and analytics to help drive smarter business decisions. “As we complete the rollout of our ERP, we will move to digitize our front office as well as further automate our internal processes and expand our use of information to drive efficiency and simplification,” says Anderson. Favorite App: The camera. “What a great thing to have the ability to snap a picture and then share it immediately,” she says. “A picture is worth a million words.” Leadership Philosophy: Anderson’s strategy is to contribute to overall business objectives and know where stakeholders and associates are on the journey toward realizing the company’s goals. “Being able to articulate and communicate the reasons for change, and to take the time to listen to all levels in the organization as well as external partners, is the critical path to growth.” Finding Inspiration: “If we don’t change, we will be passed by. The rate at which technology is emerging and becoming affordable and available is something I stay focused on.” Advice for the Next Gen: “Put yourself in the shoes of others. Doing this allows many things to become clear, and a little empathy can go a long way in any situation involving change.”
CGT | JUNE 2017 | CONSUMERGOODS.COM
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